Zauschneria garretti”Orange Carpet”-California Fuchsia

Propagating California Fuchsia is simple just cut off a piece of the plant, remove any flowers, use a sharp knife or X-acto blade and put it in water and it should root in about 30 days. What’s great about this plant is it’s low growing reaching a height of 4" and although the name suggests a California type plant it is hardy to Zone 3. It prefers a semi-shaded area with good drainage but do not over water because it is also drought tolerant and evergreen in warmer zones. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies and is native to the dry parts of some Western states. Obviously the flower color is orange and deer resistant.

Dierama pulcherrimum-Angel’s Fishing Rod

Since Angel’s Fishing Rod is in the Iris family that means you have to divide the corm after flowering which is August to September. It’s blooms are either, pink, magenta or white and the plant can reach 4'-6' in full sun. It is native to South Africa so in essence it is only hardy in Zones 8-10, and possibly on the outer fringe of 7. It prefers consistent moisture in the growing season and is evergreen and it takes two years before it flowers.

Lunaria biennis-Money Plant or Silver Dollar

Propagating Lunaria is simple, it is self-seeding and is a biennial, like Columbine, so it doesn’t bloom until the second year then dies, but if you don’t deadhead you will not have a problem because some say it is an aggressive plant so don’t put in front of your bed. There is also a perennial, Lunaria rediviva. It is commonly called the Money Plant or Silver Dollar because its seed head resemble a silver dollar used in fall/winter arrangements. The plant zone is 2-9 so it is hardy and is deciduous, however birds and butterflies like the plant which blooms from April-June and the colors range from purple to lilac to white. It prefers a moist well draining soil in partial shade to full sun and will reach a height of 36". It is native to Central & Southern Europe.

Wulfenia carinthiaca-Cow’s FootstepWulfenia

Propagating Wulfenia should be done in early summer, after blooming, or preferably early fall by dividing the crown. This is an alpine plant found in the meadows of Austria and Albania so it dies not like heat nor humidity although it is hardy from Zones 5-8. It prefers a northern exposure in a light rich sandy/gritty soil with even moisture in either full sun or partial shade. It is evergreen and the plant reaches a height of 6-8" however its flower spikes can reach 24." It will bloom from May-July and the color is a rich deep blue. For experienced gardeners mainly.

Tellima grandiflora “Forest Frost”-Fringe-cups

Propagating Tellima or fringe-cups can be accomplished in the spring by dividing the crown. Forest Frost is patented but its leaves are much more colorful, silver with burgundy veins, then regular fringe-cups, which is a hairy light green, the plant is native to the Pacific Northwest, is evergreen in warmer zones but hardy to Zone 5. The flowers on the basic fringe-cups are white but pink on Forest Frost. Bloom is from late spring to early summer, May-June. The plant prefers partial to full shade and will grow in moist soils but will also tolerate drought conditions. The plant is deer resistant, will reach a height of 24," and is fragrant.

Scrophularia auriculara “variegata”-Variegated Figwort

Scrophularia or Figwort can be propagated in the spring by breaking apart the clump. Its flowers are insignificant, brown, and should be removed after blooming because they will take away from its green and creamy-white variegated leaves which should also be cut back hard in the summer if the foliage becomes tired or turning brown. This plant will remain evergreen in mild winters hardy in zones 5-9, requires a partial shade to full sun exposure in a moist soil well draining soil, and will reach a height of 12"-18".

Chamerion angustifolium-Fireweed

Propagating Chamerion or Fireweed can be done in the spring by breaking apart the crown, with plenty of roots on each piece and transplanting after cutting back any top that remains from the previous year. Fireweed got its name because it is one of the first plants to become established after the aftermath of a fire along with goldenrod and thistle. Its native zone is widespread from 2-9. Butterflies and honeybees enjoy the nectar from its blooms which flower from June through August and the plant will reach a height of 36" to 60". The blooms can range from pink, lavender and white. It is classified as a weed so be careful of its parameters in a garden setting which requires light shade.